Jobshop builds on Jobcentre Plus partnership

A partnership between Jobcentre Plus and a Norwich developer has been hailed as a real success in the recruitment of construction workers in the local area.

Lend Lease, developer for the new Chapelfield shopping centre, has employed 323 staff with the help of the Jobcentre Plus Construction Jobshop.

With the support of Lend Lease, the Jobcentre Plus Construction Jobshop was opened in October 2002. The Jobshop focuses on the recruitment of construction workers not only for Chapelfield, but also for all types of construction work in Norwich and the Norfolk area.

Mark Grimshaw, Employer Services Director for Jobcentre Plus, who visited the Chapelfield site recently, said: "It's not just a Norwich issue, it's a much wider issue across the country - there is a big need for construction workers. With the establishment of this Jobshop we are able to register jobseekers from all over the country to jobs as they become available. It is often the case that jobs are filled within hours of employers placing the vacancy."

A database of more than 4,400 people who are looking for work now and in the future is held at the Jobshop, and since it opened over 900 people have found jobs countrywide. The recruitment service is available to support all employers and contractors who are seeking skilled tradespeople and support staff in all parts of the construction industry.

Craig Graham, Development Manager for Lend Lease added: "The general skills shortage within the construction industry in the UK has been well reported. This can lead to unnecessary delays and a knock on cost to a developer. What Jobcentre Plus has enabled us to do is source the right people, at the right time for the right project. It has proven to be a highly effective and efficient model, giving work to those who want it and helping us to keep projects moving along successfully."

Chapelfield is scheduled to open in Autumn 2005.

For information on the range of services Jobcentre Plus provides, visit: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.

(SP/MB)